R Ashwin retires from international cricket: 3 times the star spinner lost his cool on the field
One of the greatest off-spinners to have played the game of cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The decision came following the conclusion of the third ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The off-spinner finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests and will go down as one of the country’s very best in the longest format of the game. Over the years, Ashwin emerged as India’s biggest match-winner in red-ball cricket, especially at home. He never missed a Test at home and played the supporting role well in overseas conditions.
The decision came out of the blue as the cricketing fraternity and even the Indian team members didn't expect Ashwin to call it quits without any prior notice.
Captain Rohit Sharma mentioned in the post-match press conference that he somehow convinced Ashwin to play the pink ball Test but revealed that the latter was considering retirement from the Perth Test.
While he was one of the most calm and composed characters on the field, Ravichandran Ashwin did have a few on-field tussles where he lost his cool. Here are three instances when the star off-spinner lost his cool on the field.
#1 When Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool at umpire Marais Erasmus
Ravichandran Ashwin hardly lost his cool on the cricket field during his decorated international career but there were a few instances when he was visibly upset. One of those instances dates back to earlier this year when India was involved in a five-match Test series against England.
Ashwin was visibly upset with onfield umpire Marais Erasmus after the end of the opening day's play of the second Test in Rajkot. Just after defending the final delivery of the day’s play, Ashwin walked towards the Zimbabwean umpire and expressed his displeasure at something that remained unclear.
Ashwin was having a chat with Yashasvi Jaiswal during the final over bowled by Rehan Ahmed. The umpire apparently reminded him that it was close to the day’s play and the all-rounder shouldn't waste time. The exact reason wasn't clear but it was one of those rare instances when Ashwin lost his cool on the field.
#2 When Ashwin gave a mouthful to James Anderson after his comments on Virat Kohli
Over the years, Ashwin has been an out-and-out team man, and the country has always come first for the off-spinner. During the final day of the fourth Test against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Ashwin greeted Anderson with a series of verbal volleys.
Ashwin was irked by Anderson’s comments that Kohli’s technique wasn't being tested on Indian conditions which were favorable for the batters. Kohli struck a magical 235 to set up a win for India.
Rather strangely, it was Kohli who tried to calm things in the middle and intervened when Ashwin and Anderson were having an animated conversation.
"Ashwin wasn’t pleased with what he (Anderson) said in the press and I didn’t even know about it. He told me on the ground. So I didn’t know what to make of it, I was laughing about it, Ashwin wasn’t too impressed and he let him know without using any bad words, honestly,” Kohli told reporters.
#3 The conversation with Tim Paine which irked Ashwin
Ashwin was one of the most underrated batters who saved India from the blushes on several occasions. He had another heated exchange with former Australian captain Tim Paine during the Sydney Test of the 2020-21 tour Down Under.
India was on the verge of losing the third Test when Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari produced a blockathon for the ages to salvage a famous draw for India.
During his incredible knock, Ashwin was sledged by Paine but the former maintained his composure for the majority of the innings. Unable to break the partnership, Paine tried everything to distract Ashwin but failed in his attempts.
He was caught on stump mic saying that he can't wait to see Ashwin reach Gabba for the fourth and the final Test. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer was quick to respond and said that even he can't wait for Paine to come to India, which could end up being his last series.